What defines excessive use of force in law enforcement?

The definition of excessive use of force in law enforcement centers on the concept of reasonable necessity in the application of force. When officers use force that exceeds what is deemed reasonably necessary to handle a situation, it is classified as excessive. This might occur in scenarios where the force applied is not aligned with the level of threat posed or the resistance displayed by a suspect.

For instance, if an officer employs a level of force that could be classified as brutal or disproportionate to the actual circumstances, it illustrates a lack of adherence to the principles of proportionality and necessity essential to lawful policing.

In contrast, the other choices reflect misunderstandings of how force should be applied in policing. Merely using physical contact when necessary does not account for the need for proportionality. Employing lethal force at all times disregards the principle of using the minimum force necessary. Finally, relying solely on verbal commands does not encompass all situations where force may be needed; therefore, it cannot articulate an effective response to immediate threats or resistance.